Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept “Rag” quilts?
Unfortunately, we are not allowed to accept them for hospital donations. The lint is not good for a child with breathing issues. However, we can donate them to shelters.
Can we use old t-shirts, sheets, pajamas or other used fabrics …?
Due to immunity issues that the children may have, only NEW 100% cotton fabric is allowed. No re-purposed fabrics can be accepted, so please do not use sheets, curtains or clothing. Fabrics should be brightly colored. kid friendly prints.
Can we use flannel?
If it is a high quality new flannel, feel free to create a quilt out of it. Lower quality flannel pills and looks "used" the moment it is washed so please do not use a "discount" store flannel which does not have the higher thread count necessary to stand up to numerous washings.
Do you accept hand-quilted, fleece or tied quilts?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept tied quilts due to a potential choking hazard that hand ties create and their inability to stand up to the hospital washers and dryers. All quilts must be machine quilted for that same reason. Fleece is not acceptable because it causes static which can interfere with hospital equipment.
What size should the quilts be?
Approximately 38"- 40" x 45"- 46" If you are making a quilt for an older child/teen feel free to make it up to twin bed size.
What type of batting should I use?
Please use LOW LOFT 1/8" - 1/4" batting. Cotton, wool, polyester or a polyester/cotton blend are acceptable.
I enjoy sewing and piecing but am not much of a quilter, can I still help?
Yes, you can! Just request a QUILT TOP ONLY when you send in your "quilt request a kit" in the notes section. You will only be sent fabric for the quilt top. When you return the pieced top we will finish it for you and have it distributed. You will still complete a label with your name/quilt name if you desire.
I did not find any binding fabric in my kit. Is it missing?
Your kit is complete. Most volunteers fold the back over the edge of the quilt to form a binding; others use their own stash fabric to make bindings, others "pillowcase". You may use any method you prefer, just as long as the stitiching is secure and there are no raw edges visible.
I want to make a four-patch from my stash. What yardage do I need?
You will need 1-1/2 yards for the back, 1-1/4 yards of focus fabric, which includes the focus squares and the outer border, 1/4 yard for the inner border, and 3/8 yard each of two different colors for the four-patch blocks.
May I personally donate the quilts to a hospital/child in my area?
Unfortunately, no. All quilts made from quilt kits must be returned to the Quilts for Kids Illinois Chapter Office for quality control. Each quilt is carefully checked for pins and loose threads; if a quilt has not been washed, we do that, too. Careful records are kept regarding the number of kits sent out and the number of quilts returned to us.
How should the quilt be quilted?
Having a lot of machine quilting in your quilt will help it hold up to the rigorous washings it goes through at the hospital. Please machine quilt in the borders as well as in the blocks, about every 2 - 2-1/2 inches.
Can you send me an extra label for my stash quilt?
In order to avoid the postage and handling of sending out separate labels, we have volunteers here at the chapter office who sew labels on the quilts that come in without them. To register your quilt on the Downy site, you may send us the name of your quilt along with your name, address, phone and email when you return the quilt. We will make sure the correct name shows up on your label.
My quilt is ready to go. Where do I ship it?
Please send your finished quilt to Quilts for Kids Illionis Chapter, Inc., 350 Gainsborough Dr., Romeoville, IL 60446. Please include your name, address, phone number and email.
I am not from Illionois -- How can I find a chapter in my area?
Even if you are not from Illinois you are welcome to donate quilts which will be distributed to local children in need. To see if there is a local chapter of Quilts for Kids click on the "How to Help" button and then click on "Find a Local Chapter".
I tried to order a kit, but when I clicked on the "submit" button, I received an error message.
We apologize for the inconvenience. Perhaps your computer's security settings do not permit your access to this link. Simply email your request along with your name, address, phone, email, and how you heard about us to info@quiltsforkidsillinois.org
Please read over the FAQ below, if you do not find the answer to your question please click email link --
(c) 2011 Quilts for Kids Illinois Chapter, Inc. 
Last Updated: January 16, 2011
